Sports ramblings…with a Yankees bias!

Hey Joe, Here’s the Answer…Phil Hughes!…

So much has been written about the vacancy in the Yankees’ starting rotation, but I still think it’s Phil Hughes’ job to lose…

The competition has been tough.The early leaders were Alfredo Aceves and Sergio Mitre, thanks to their consistently solid performances.However, in my mind, it’s always been Hughes.Aceves could go the entire spring without allowing an earned run and I’d still be behind Hughes for the 5th spot in the rotation.Aceves, for the record, was blasted for 5 runs in 4+ innings today in an 8-6 loss to the Houston Astros.

Keivom/NY Daily News

I know the Yankees invested much time trying to make Joba Chamberlain a starter.The “Joba Rules” date back to the Joe Torre era as the Yankees tried, albeit very cautiously, to build up Joba’s arm strength and stamina for 200 innings plus per season.But the truth is Joba is ideally suited for the bullpen.His make-up, demeanor, and approach is much more aggressive in a defined relief role.He has looked uncomfortable and at times lost as a starter.

AP

My preference is for Aceves to resume his long relief role, Joba to set up Mariano Rivera (and spelling him on occasion), and Gaudin find his niche in the bullpen. Sergio Mitre has pitched well, but I’d try to trade him for a young prospect.

William Perlman/The Star Ledger

When making the decision for who will be the starter, you really have to project who has the best chance for long-term success.Regardless of who pitches the best in March, the winner needs to be someone who can give the Yankees the best chance for October success.The answer is obvious…Hughes.

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

Curtis Granderson was hit on the right hand in Friday night’s game, but it sounds like he’ll be fine and should be back in the lineup on Sunday.It’ll be just in time to see Phil Hughes nail the final spot in the starting rotation.

Julian H. Gonzalez/McClatchy

The talks of the Yanks’ interest in Joe Mauer reminds me of the talk we’ve heard in the past about the Yankees getting Carlos Beltran, Roy Halladay, Johan Santana, Matt Holliday, Aroldis Chapman et al.All smoke and no fire.As great as Mauer is, the Yankees do not need an injury risk at the catching position.I still think that Mauer will eventually land with the Boston Red Sox if the Minnesota Twins don’t re-sign him.Perhaps it will be a great move for the Sox, and Mauer will make fans forget Jason Varitek and Carlton Fisk.But I don’t he is a good fit for the Yankees.They’ll be fine with Jesus Montero, assuming that he doesn’t “out-grow” the position, as Jorge Posada’s eventual successor.If Montero does have to move because of his physical size, then I am willing to take my chances with Francisco Cervelli or Austin Romine.

Noah K. Murray/The Star Ledger

I am amazed that Jamie Moyer, at age 47, is on the verge of nailing down a spot in the rotation for the championship-contending Philadelphia Phillies.He is definitely the Energizer Bunny…

Lori M. Nichols

Personally, I think the Washington Nationals should have kept super-prospect Stephen Strasburg in the major league starting rotation.Nevertheless, I don’t think he should buy a house or sign a long-term lease in Harrisburg, PA.He won’t be there long…

Charles Dharapak/AP

As you know, I am not a fan of the Boston Red Sox (regardless of how much my friend Julia would like for me to be).However, I do want to send my prayers and best wishes to Ryan Westmoreland, Boston’s 19-year-old outfield prospect, who underwent successful brain surgery last week.He faces a tough road and a long recovery, but at least the initial news was promising.Let’s hope the news continues on its current positive, upward trend.Regardless of whether he ever plays baseball again, I will always be a fan of his in whatever he does.I only hope that it will be nothing short of complete and absolute recovery.Ryan, we are all on your team!

Ruben W. Perez/The Providence Journal

When I saw that the University of Northern Iowa had defeated top-seeded Kansas in the NCAA Basketball Tournament, I could only think of one thing…never underestimate the power of an Iowan!Signed, an Iowan.J

I am headed to Dallas for the week on business.I pulled up the weather forecast and was shocked that it was snowing in Dallas on the first day of spring!Meanwhile, in Boston, it was 71 degrees today!What’s up with that?And why do I have to leave this gorgeous, sunny California weather?…

7 Comments

Nah…I believe Strasburg should be starting the season in the minors.
Hughes? We see eye to eye on that one. My reason is simple. His body of minor league work is larger than the other candidates. I think he’s better suited to the role as I believe Joba is perfect for the pen; hands down!http://thebrooklyntrolleyblogger.mlblogs.com/

You are wrong my friend – no one will ever make us forget Tek or Pudge here in Boston!! They are – and always will be – Red Sox!! And thank you for your thoughts and prayers for Ryan. No matter what team someone is playing for, none of us wants to see something like this happen to someone so young. And you’re right, playing baseball again doesn’t matter – having a normal life is what we are all praying for.

I have to say – I agree with you on Joba Chamberlain – he seems like he would do much better coming out of the bullpen. And good luck to Hughes – I know he is a favorite of yours.

And snow in Dallas? Was GORGEOUS here yesterday! Will only be in the 50s today – but in New England that is a beautiful Spring day! Have a safe trip!

I’m with you: Hughes gets the starter’s job, even though he’ll have an innings limit. And Joba to the pen. Will the Yankees agree with us? We’ll find out soon enough. Having just come back from Florida, I can tell you it’s been cold down south. Crazy weather! Have a good trip.

It’s good to hear that many Yankee fans agree about the roles Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes should be playing. It is as clear as day that Hughes is a starter and Chamberlain a reliever. I wish Hughes the best of luck this year, I’ve always liked him more than Joba and I think he’ll come through just fine. Although, they shouldn’t have put him in the pen last year, what better way to ruin a starter?

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